Getting your child the support they need
If I’m really honest, I dislike the term ‘early intervention’. For me, it conjures up images of hours of therapy aimed at turning young children into someone they are just not wired to be. But the reality is, intervention simply means altering the course of one’s trajectory. And as for the early part, all the research shows us that taking a proactive approach to introducing supports is helpful not just for children, but for the adults who care for them. This article will talk you through the process of seeking funding support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for your children with developmental differences.
Here in Australia, we are lucky to have a funding model committed to supporting those living with a disability, the NDIS. You will hear love stories and tales of terror about people’s dealings with the NDIS, but when it comes to early intervention, they are it.
The Early Childhood Early Intervention model (ECEI, as it is commonly known) differs slightly from the supports the scheme offers those with a disability. For starters, to access funding, your child does not need to have a diagnosed disability or any other known condition. Secondly, your child’s involvement with the NDIS is managed through your local early childhood partner.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, the first step is to chat with someone who knows your child well, such as their early childhood educator, your GP or maternal and child health nurse (MCHN). Sometimes, they may even be the one to raise concerns. Consider areas such as:
physical development (e.g. the way they move their body or use their hands)
emotional development (e.g. the way they cope with life’s ups and downs)
communication (e.g. the way they hear, speak and communicate)
social development (e.g. the way they interact with others)
If, after speaking with a trusted other, you feel your concerns are justified, it’s time to get in touch with an early childhood partner. You can find your local partner here. No referral needed, reach out via their contact details and they will talk you through the next steps.
If you are heading down the path of an ECEI funding application, it is often beneficial to have supporting evidence, such as professional reports. Depending on your concerns, good people to see are a paediatric occupational therapist (OT) for physical or emotional concerns, or a speech pathologist for language, communication and social struggles. These are not essential though, and they do come at an expense. Not to mention the difficulty of finding someone with availability!
Your early childhood partner will walk you through the entire process, which is relatively straightforward but generally involves lots of questions and information sharing.
Approval time varies, as does the amount of funding you will receive if you are successful in gaining access to the NDIS. There isn’t always rhyme or reason to this, but ultimately it is deemed to be based on your child’s level of need.
Then the fun bit starts… finding providers. Or, as I like to think of it, assembling your A-team. Generally, the main area funded under ECEI is known as Capacity Building supports, AKA therapy. Think occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, etc. While there seems to be SO MANY providers out there, finding one with a.) availability and b.) an approach that aligns with your values, can be really tricky. Call around and add your child to waiting lists when offered. Don’t be afraid to join several lists and stay on them. Sometimes the first provider you work with isn’t the right fit. That is absolutely okay, everyone looks for different things and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Your NDIS plan will be reviewed annually, or every two years. The review process determines the amount of funding for the next period and takes into account any reports written by your A-team, which is why they need to be top notch!
Throughout the process, you will hear the term ‘developmental delay’ a lot. I prefer ‘developmental difference’, but unfortunately the NDIS runs off a deficit model and what our kids can’t do. Try not to be discouraged by this. Your child has MANY amazing strengths, and with the right supports in place, they will shine!
Your child may or may not go on to be diagnosed with a disability. If this is the case, funded supports will likely continue. If not, supports will continue until your child’s 9th birthday. This cutoff was previously seven years and only recently changed, so this is a huge win for children as they transition to school.
I hope that makes the process a little clearer. Please reach out to me with any other questions. I can provide the support you and your child need as you navigate these early days.